If you're having an outdoor wedding, chances are you're checking the weather forecast every day, even if your wedding is still a year away. Here are some insane outdoor wedding hacks, including: what to do if rain is forecast, how to keep guests cool on a hot day and decorating tips for any kind of weather!
O N E
Wedding signs are a must.
Signs are essential so that you guests know exactly where the party is going to be happening. They’re like the front door of your open air wedding.
Styling: Style My Day / As featured in Styling Handbook
T W O
Keep your guests cool.
Giving out orders of service that double as fans is such a sweet idea! Trust us, they’ll come in handy on the day.
Styling: Aisle Style / Photography: C.J. Williams
T H R E E
Have some parasols at the ready.
Keep the sun off your bridesmaids with beautiful and delicate white parasols. They’ll be a stylish talking point too!
Styling: Decorations By Jelena / Photography: Alana Atkins Photography
F O U R
Use furniture to bring the inside out.
Sometimes an outdoor wedding can be a little under furnished and this means that less mobile guests are either on their fee for long periods of time or feel restricted to their seat at the table. Decorate your reception with comfy couches so your guests have a spot to relax and mingle.
Image 1: Styling: Lovebird Weddings, Photography: Karen Buckle / Image 2: Styling: The Style Co., Photography: Hikari Photography
F I V E
Play lawn games.
Have fun with the location and create some lighthearted games to keep guests entertained while you have your photos taken. We’ve seen life-size chessboards, bocce and giant Jenga to name a few!
Styling: Aisle Style / Photography: C.J. Williams
S I X
Keep your guests hydrated.
You could give your guests water bottles before the ceremony and then have a refreshments stand ready for once you’ve become husband and wife! Personalised drinks are always sweet and thoughtful – especially on a hot day!
Image 1: Styling and stickers: Celebrate with Avery, As seen in Modern Wedding DIY Magazine / Image 2: Styling: EMHKO, Photography: Kapture Photography
S E V E N
Don’t forget lighting.
Make sure your dining tables are well lit using fairy lights, festoon lights or even decorate with lampshades!
Images 1 & 2: Styling: Sugar & Spice Events / Photography: Tim Sherriff Photography
E I G H T
Wear heel protectors.
These are designed to stop your heel from sinking into the grass and are perfect for walking down the aisle. Your bridesmaids will love them too!
Heel protectors: Heels Above
N I N E
Add elegance to your outdoor wedding.
Outdoor weddings can be just as sophisticated and stylish as those held in restaurants. Hang chandeliers from trees for an enchanting ambiance and a touch of elegance.
Styling: Chandelabra / Photography: Blumenthal Photography
T E N
Hire a marquee.
Having a marquee guarantees you and your guests will enjoy your wedding, come rain, hail or shine. You can order a clear marquee so that you can still see the beautiful night sky or soak up natural sunlight.
Images 1 & 2: Marquee: Pillingers Hire Service
E L E V E N
Have a bucket of flats for dancing.
If you’re planning on hosting a wild dance floor, then offer your guests something a little more comfortable to wear on their feet!
Wedding Photography: Closer to Love Photography
T W E L V E
Use a glass cloche to keep food fresh.
If you’re displaying your cake for a long period of time or if you’re thinking of having a dessert bar, then you’ll want to keep the bugs at bay! A glass cloche will do the trick.
Styling & Floristry: Owl & Pussycat Events / Photography: The Evoke Company
T H I R T E E N
Make bunting for a festive feel.
For something more colourful and festive, hang handmade bunting between rows of festoon lights. Choose colours that suit the overall concept of your wedding.
Photography: Tim Coulson
F O U R T E E N
Have blankets on hand.
If it’s predicted to be cooler weather, keep in mind that many of your guests may be wearing dresses. A basket of blankets is a good way to keep them warm.
Photography: Monique Hessler Photography
F I F T E E N
Decorate with fairy lights in mason jars.
Let your DIY imagination run wild! Glow Domes are a great (and kid-friendly) way to light up the dinner table that gives off the same ambiance as candles without any waxy mess.
Jars: Just Jars / Styling: Gail MacDiarmid
If you're dreaming of an outdoor wedding, you simply must check out all the divine styling inspiration in this blog!